Tech Trends to Look Out for at the NRA Show 2017

The National Restaurant Association’s 2017 Show is coming to Chicago from May 20-23rd. For four days, McCormick Place will be a bustling who’s who of the restaurant industry, with everyone from owners to vendors to foodies. The show has always been the place for new restaurant technology, innovations, and ideas to come together in one of America’s greatest food towns (no pizza debates, please!).

This has been a year of many challenges and changes for the hospitality and foodservice industry. 2017’s NRA show will unveil and demo some of the best products and services that are offering restaurateurs ways to save on overhead costs and earn additional revenue.

Here are some tech trends and exciting events to watch out for at the NRA Show 2017.

Guest Profiles

Great service means making your guests feel at home. In the age of big data, the best way to do that is by tracking your guests’ preferences. This strategy empowers you to anticipate their needs whenever they come in. Whether you’re seating them at their favorite table or suggesting gluten-free menu items, they’ll be impressed by how much you care. Technology makes it possible for your staff to save the data in one cloud-based system. Now, it doesn’t matter who’s working each shift – as soon as she checks in, they’ll know that Amelia Smith wants to sit by the window.

Tableside Ordering & Mobile POS

Hospitality relies on your ability to strike a balance between good service and good business. How do you make sure your customers are happy, while boosting your own bottom line? Tableside ordering technology is the answer. Impress your guests with sleek, easy-to-use technology that turns tables faster than ever. Servers input guests’ orders and send them to the kitchen instantly, improving the flow of foot traffic on your floor. After the meal, guests check out quickly and easily. Finally, there’s tech that means they’re not leaving money on the table – and neither are you.

Online Ordering – For Everyone

Online ordering isn’t just for guests any more. There’s new technology that empowers restaurant operators to order from vendors online. Inventory management has never been less panic-inducing and more streamlined. Save hours every week by creating one online shopping list and managing the dates by which you need each item. Find the best tech to keep your stockroom fresh and organized.

And it should go without saying: online ordering for guests is a must-have for restaurants everywhere. If you’re not yet connected to an OLO platform, you are missing out on the fastest-growing demographic of customers. Online ordering connects you with your guests at any time, from anywhere.

See You at the Show!

CAKE’s team is excited to meet you in person at the NRA show! We’ll be front and center in booth 5607 in the North Hall of McCormick Place. Come check out our tech, along with the rest of Sysco’s technology display!

Sysco will be hosting a few special events this year, including:

National Restaurant News Power Lunch

Sponsored by Sysco

When: Sunday, May 21 11:30am – 1:30pm Luncheon

Where: W Hotel Chicago – Lakeshore Blvd, Chicago

Attendees:

Current and Past NRN Power List

NRN Next 20 Brands

NRN Break-out Brands and Hot Concepts

NRN Consumer Picks Top Performers

RH 25 Multi-Concept Independent

Supersession: Defying the Curse

Sponsored by Sysco

When: Monday, May 22 at 11am

Where: Grand Ballroom, McCormick Place (S100)

What: A lively discussion between Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and renowned sportscaster Mike Greenberg of ESPNs Mike and Mike in the morning as they discuss lessons in leadership and how a tenacious focus on developing the best organizational culture in professional baseball overcame a 108-year drought.